Mike Minter to make special appearances during grand opening weekend

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- DICK'S Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS), the largest U.S. based full-line sporting goods retailer, invites the community of Aberdeen to their three-day grand opening weekend. The store will open its doors on Wednesday, October 24 and begin the celebration with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, October 26 at 8:00 a.m. at the retailer's new location at Center Park, 11109 Highway 15/501. Special extended store hours will also be in effect for Friday ( 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.), Saturday ( 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.) and Sunday ( 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)

DICK'S Sporting Goods also has a variety of special athlete appearances and giveaways scheduled to celebrate the grand opening festivities.

On Sunday, former Carolina Panthers defensive back Mike Minter will be in store meeting and greeting customers from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.* Minter was a key member of the Panthers' 2003 NFC Championship team, and made 14 tackles in the team's narrow Super Bowl loss to the New England Patriots.

Additionally on Sunday, there will be a Mystery Gift Card Giveaway for the first 100 adults in line, who will receive unmarked DICK'S Sporting Goods gift cards in varying denominations from $5 to $500, with one person winning the $500 card. (Limit one per person and must be 18 years or older.)

Bass professional Chuck Devereaux will also be making special appearances alongside DICK'S bass tank from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.** Devereaux will be teaching bass fishing tips and techniques from atop the 4,000 gallon bass tank.

Throughout the weekend, customers will be able to enter for the chance to win an Epic A35T Treadmill and a Nishiki Kinzua29 Limited Edition bicycle. There will also be opportunities for customers to meet with certified bike and lodge technicians and PGA/LPGA professionals, as well as additional activities throughout the store. More details on all promotions are available at the store location.